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Free Ottawa educational forum responds to needs of people affected by breastcancer

Leading experts deliver breast cancer updates at unique public forum

OTTAWA, May 5 /CNW/ - While significant advances have been made in breast cancer care, evidence has shown that Ontarians diagnosed with breast cancer continue to face considerable challenges with their needs for information, support and care. To respond to these needs, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region is working with leaders in research, clinical care and community support to deliver current breast cancer information and education at a free public forum presented by Scotiabank Group in Ottawa called Breast Cancer Today: An Evening of Care and Community.

Some of Ontario's leading breast cancer researchers and clinicians will speak at Breast Cancer Today, including Dr. Shailendra Verma, Dr. Mark Clemons, and Dr. Xinni Song, of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre. Speakers will address a range of issues related to breast cancer treatment, care and survivorship.

Breast Cancer Today will be held May 26, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Westin Hotel, Governor General I Room. This is the third year of this three-year program and the fifth forum in a series of seven. Breast Cancer Today is presented in partnership with Scotiabank Group.

The development of the Breast Cancer Today program was informed by findings from a Foundation-led research initiative called Up Front: New Perspectives on Breast Cancer. It found that Ontarians affected by breast cancer experience numerous challenges with the cancer care system, and identified ways in which their quality of life could be improved, including access to information and resources.

"A breast cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, and can have long-term impacts on quality of life," said Beth Easton, Vice President, Allocations and Health Promotion for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region. "Through Breast Cancer Today, the Foundation is proud to respond to the information and education needs of the breast cancer community with the goal of reducing the burden of disease for patients, survivors and their families."

"Breast cancer touches so many lives across Ontario, from those who are diagnosed to their families, friends and communities," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank Group. "Together with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Scotiabank is committed to supporting all those affected by breast cancer, helping them to live with and beyond breast cancer."

In Canada, it is estimated that 22,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, making it the most prevalent cancer among Canadian women. On average, one in nine women in Canada will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and one in 28 is expected to die from the disease.(1)

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 as the first organization in the country devoted exclusively to the funding of breast cancer research, education and awareness initiatives. The Foundation continues to blaze new trails in breast cancer and breast health by directing donor dollars to world-class researchers and clinicians who are contributing to groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 2000, the Foundation has directed more than $68 million to the cause in Ontario alone as a result of fundraising initiatives like our signature events, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure and Yard Sale for the Cure, hundreds of thousands of donors and the efforts of a committed volunteer network numbering in the thousands.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education and social services and arts and culture.

For further information: For further information: about Breast Cancer Today, or the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, or to schedule an interview with a Foundation spokesperson or leading expert, please contact: Jennifer F. Modica, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Tel: (416) 815-1313, ext. 208, Email: jmodica@cbcf.org